Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – Preview

The 97th running of the world famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, takes place this week, with multiple different classes of machinery gracing the event based in Colorado, America.

In my opinion, Pikes Peak is at present the nearest you will get to a real roads meeting, in the USA.

Obviously in essence it’s a hill climb, one that provides unique challenges a plenty for competitors, in particular the high altitude of the 19.99 kilometres long course.

From the outside looking in, when you watch the on board footage, it does have a sense of pure road racing about it.

The smooth roads, monitored closely by trees a plenty, the picturesque views evokes thoughts in my mind, of some parts of the most famous road racing circuit in the world, the Mountain Course.

With this notion in mind, it’s no wonder that various prominent International roads figures are making the lengthy trip this month to America.

Photo by Mark Corlett

Amongst them includes high profile event newcomer Michael Dunlop. Synonymous with proving that the impossible is possible, his additional to this year’s entry, is a massive coup for Pikes Peak organisers.

Machinery wise, 19 times TT winner Dunlop as at TT 2019, is set to pilot this week S1000R BMW machinery, which will run under the Wunderlich Motorsport Powered by ProKASRO team banner.

Photo courtesy of Dave Hewson

Another notable Pikes Peak debutant, Obsession Engineering supported Eric Wilson who’s had the full American experience on route to Pikes Peak, travelling to ten plus states, has along the way raised money for the Injured Riders Welfare Fund, and the Fondation Fabrice Miguet – LE MIG.

Other high calibre entrants include former Exhibition Powersport class victor Rob Barber, Japan’s Yoshihiro Kishimoto, Cory West and lead meeting newcomer from 2018, Lucy Glockner.

28 riders are set to compete this week at Colorado, across six different classes, which are: Exhibition Powersport, Lightweight division, Middleweight division and the Heavyweight division.

As at the TT Races, final finishing positions, are determined on the timing sheets, as riders push for the best times possible around the Pikes Peak mountain.

Since the 1970’s two wheel competition has formed an important of one of America’s most iconic, illustrious, prestigious motorsport events.

With this in mind, it’s worth noting a few of the famous road racing names to have tasted victory at Pikes Peak, they include of course 19 times international road race winner Guy Martin, former Macau GP podium finisher Jeremy Toye, Wade Boyd and upcoming North West 200 competitor, JD Mosley.

The full Practice, qualifying, race schedule for the 97th Pikes Pikes International Hill Climb, is as follows:

Tuesday 25th June:

Local Time: 05:30-08:30 AM Practice/Qualifying – all classes

Wednesday 26th June:

Local Time: 05:30-08:30 AM Practice/Qualifying – all classes

Thursday 27th June:

Local Time: 05:30-08:30 AM Practice – all classes
Local Time 5:00 PM Starting order per class confirmed

Sunday 30th June:

Local Time 07:30 AM Beginning of the 97th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

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About Stevie Rial

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